La Salle professor to take on Meehan; Brady gains backing

By
John Kopp, Delaware County Daily Times

Thursday, February 20, 2014

NETHER PROVIDENCE — The Delaware County Democratic Committee endorsed a La Salle University political science professor to oppose Republican U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan in the 7th Congressional District race.

Mary Ellen Balchunis, of Ardmore, received the Democrats’ endorsement Thursday at the party’s nominating convention. The party also endorsed U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, D-1, of Philadelphia.

“I was thrilled to hear a unanimous endorsement,” Balchunis said. “It can’t get better than that.”

Balchunis has served as a professor at La Salle since 1991. A Delaware County native, she graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School and the University of Pennsylvania.

David Landau, chairman of the Delaware County Democratic Party, said people will be surprised at the vigorous campaign Balchunis will run.

“Mary Ellen Balchunis is going to be a terrific candidate,” Landau said. “She is going to draw the contrast very starkly with Pat Meehan, who despite his PR is a tea party, right wing Congressman. He is not representing the interests of Delaware County.”

“Congress is supposed to make laws,” Balchunis said. “They have a (health care) law that they passed and they just keep trying to defeat it. I think we need to fix it and improve it, but keep it. It passed because the majority of people wanted it.”

Brady stumped for Balchunis when he accepted his endorsement.

“This lady can work,” Brady said. “She’s smart. She’s bright. She works her butt off and she knows the issues.”

Balchunis said she was grateful for Brady’s support.

“I’m honored that the party asked me to run and honored that they gave me a unanimous endorsement,” Balchunis said.